Fox River Watershed Investigation

In consultation with the Fox
River Study Group, the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) has proposed a multi-phase
water quality study of the Fox River watershed from Stratton Dam to the Illinois River confluence. The ultimate objective
of the full study is to identify significant watershed issues and implement a watershed scale plan including
data collection, model development, and monitoring. The findings of this research will provide guidance for public
and private planners and decision-makers. The FSRG outreach statement(PDF format)
describes their work plan and funding. [more]

Approach

Phase I

A comprehensive summary and synthesis of recent studies of the water quality of the Fox River watershed which describes current water quality problems, possible causes, and data gaps and recommends appropriate watershed and water quality models and future study. Water quality database, FoxDB, developed. (2002-2003)

Phase II

Watershed loading and receiving water quality models of the Fox River watershed downstream from the Stratton Dam using the available data. Detailed watershed loading models for two major tributaries (Poplar Creek and Blackberry Creek) were developed to provide guidance for the larger Fox River watershed model. Biological data are reviewed and FoxDB expanded to include biological data. (2003-2009)

Phase III

A-Data Collection:
Additional monitoring on the Fox River mainstem and selected tributaries is recommended: (i) 72-hour intensive sampling during critical summer low flow, and (ii) comprehensive sampling during storm events designed to evaluate pollutant loads. (2006-2010)B-Model Calibration Using Latest Data:
The models prepared in Phase II will be finalized through calibration using data from both ambient monitoring and intensive field data collection. Watershed development scenarios (alternatives) will be developed in conjunction with the FRSG and evaluated. (2009-2010)

Phase IV

Implementation phase. The computer models will be maintained and updated for use to evaluate the impact of different management measures, both remedial control measures and preventative actions, on the water quality of the Fox River and its tributaries. A comprehensive watershed management plan will be developed for the study area and implemented.(begin 2010)

Download the FoxDB environmental database (updated 7/1/2014) developed during the Fox River Watershed Investigation. The FoxDB (MS Access, 15 MB zip format) database file contains the complete water quality, sediment quality, habitat, and biological database. The structure of the relational database is described in Phase I Report: Water Quality Issues and Data (water and sediment quality data) and Analyses of Biological Data (database expanded to include biological and habitat data). The database compiles all available data from various sources and studies within the Fox River watershed (starting in 1956) and serves as a primary depository for the FRSG monitoring data (2002-present).
The Access database can be used with the Data Loader/Viewer to add and view sample records. The Data Loader/Viewer is a viewing and editing tool designed to work with the water quality database. A user's manual is also available.

The Fox River Study Group has worked with the Illinois State Water Survey to compile water chemistry data for the Fox River watershed.
Those data are available through this database. Interpretation of the data by other parties does not represent the opinion of the Fox River
Study Group or the Illinois State Water Survey (Data Disclaimer).

NPDES Dischargers downstream the Stratton Dam

Information on NPDES discharges was obtained from the USEPA EnviroFacts
Data Warehouse. Locations were checked against description and corrected to
better represent the described location if necessary. A 1996 dataset on
NPDES provided by the IEPA was used for additional verification. The
dataset was submitted to the FRSG for comments and updates. An Excel file
(NPDESdsSTRATTON.zip) has been prepared listing the identified NPDES
discharge sites. The USEPA 5-digit parameter codes are listed in (epacodelists.zip).